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Spring 2021
Please note: Original OPLAN and FRAGO documents, as well as procedures and protocols from Fall 2020 are still available for review and download. Additionally, you may download Spring 2021 Previous Notices and a Feb. 4 letter to cadets, faculty, staff, and parents from Interim Superintendent MG Wins '85.
COVID-19 Information
The VMI Pandemic Task Force and Institute leadership continue to monitor the latest information regarding the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been implemented across all aspects of cadet life, and leadership has identified key areas for social distancing enforcement to maintain safety throughout the course of physical training and activities required of all cadets. Full details regarding COVID-19 protocols, as well as case status, are located on the COVID-19 Info Portal.
Wear Face Coverings
Wash Hands Frequently
Maintain Social Distancing
Monitor Your Health
Cadets, faculty, and staff are all expected to utilize the LiveSafe Daily Health Check app each day to track and report symptoms prior to arriving on post or attending events.
Post & Building Access
Specific access for athletic events at limited locations continues to be handled by VMI Athletics on a rolling basis of evaluation according to government guidelines. Specific information for ticket limits and allotment can be found at https://vmi.universitytickets.com/. Even as some events allow visitors, tailgating and picnics are still prohibited on post at this time., as is parking on the Parade Ground.
For Cadets
ⓘ UPDATE: VMI's updated policies include a 10-day quarantine for those that the medical team has identified as having close contact with an individual who has tested positive.
Cadet life continues to undergo a wide range of adjustments to schedule and location. Up-to-date, detailed information is available for all VMI cadets in the VMI Portal. Adjustments include, but are not limited to:
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
For Spring 2021, 64% of classes will be offered in-person, with 22% hybrid and 14% online. Distance learning resources remain available. Past information about courses and instruction through Nov. 20, 2020 can be found in the Fall 2020 Parent Academic Letter from Brigadier General Robert W. Moreschi, Deputy Superintendent for Academics and Dean of the Faculty.
SUPPORT SERVICES
All VMI Support Services continue to offer only digital sessions for cadets. Cadets are encouraged to contact individual offices for specific guidelines and offerings. This includes services where parents and other stakeholders would need to be involved in meetings.
BARRACKS
The wearing of masks outside of assigned rooms, suspension of visitation within barracks, elimination of large stoop gatherings, controlled lavatory and shower access, as well as frequent cleaning and sanitization of those same areas will be required. Increased noise restrictions will be in effect during the day to facilitate academic study due to the shortage of classroom space caused by social distancing. Stairwells in barracks will be designated as “up” or “down” stairwells. Also, cadets will not sleep head to head. Various levels of cadet leadership will ensure these practices are maintained.
DINING SERVICES
Crozet Hall will no longer offer self-serve / buffet- style dining. Six serving lines have been created where Parkhurst Dining staff will serve cadets. Individually wrapped packages of disposable utensils and cups will be provided, along with individual condiments, milk, and juice. No refillable containers will be permitted, but as always, we encourage all cadets to come back for seconds. Tables and chairs have been spaced further apart and seating location availability will be adjusted to reduce the number of cadets in the hall at a time. Face coverings are to be used at all times except when eating. A grab-and-go lunch option will be available.
PHYSICAL TRAINING
Physical Education courses and ROTC physical activities will be modified in terms of scheduling, number of cadets participating at any one time, and location. Access to weight rooms, training facilities, and fields may be adjusted on a daily basis to allow for proper cleaning, sanitizing, and social distancing. Physical training will be conducted outdoors when possible. Temperature and symptom checks will be implemented during VMI and ROTC training sessions.
ⓘ UPDATE:VMI has instituted strict enforcement of 10-foot separation during physical training.
ATHLETICS & CLUBS
Cadets will be notified by coaches and leadership regarding any changes in location, time, or format of practices, training, and competitions. Up-to-date information regarding competitions can be found by visiting the VMI Athletics website: https://vmikeydets.com/. Activity locations and schedules for all extracurricular activities will be adjusted to comply with social distancing requirements and Institute directives.
Important Updated Spring 2021 Dates
*All dates subject to change
| Date(s) | Name of Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19-20, 2021 | Registration |
| Jan. 21, 2021 | Classes Begin |
| Jan. 28, 2021 | Last day for curriculum and course change |
| Feb. 16, 2021 | No Classes |
| Mar. 24, 2021 | No Classes |
| Mar. 26, 2021 | Wednesday classes meet on Friday |
| Apr. 1, 2021 | Tuesday classes meet on Thursday |
| Apr. 9(CAD)-13, 2021 | Spring FTX - No Classes Monday (12th) or Tuesday (13th) |
| May 4, 2021 | Classes End |
| May 5, 2021 | Reading Day |
| May 6-11, 2021 | Exams |
| May 14, 2021 | Institute Awards Ceremony (Tentative) |
| May 14, 2021 | Graduation Parade (Tentative) |
| May 14, 2021 | Baccalaureate (Tentative) |
| May 15, 2021 | Commissioning Ceremony (Tentative) |
| May 15, 2021 | VMI Memorial Parade (Tentative) |
| May 16, 2021 | Commencement (Tentative) |
For Employees
All employee and contractor COVID case reporting will process through Col. Jay Williams, Director of Emergency Management. More information is available on the COVID-19 Info Portal.
To uphold health and safety measures and limit risks, the physical Human Resources Office will remain closed, except for specific services outlined in the full plan, and will limit traffic by implementing appointment-only measures for other services needed by faculty, staff, or cadets. If any employee feels that he or she is in one of the identified high-risk categories, the Human Resources director will work with the employee to take particular care to reduce their risk of exposure while making sure they are able to perform their job duties, and that VMI complies with relevant laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination Employment Act.
All VMI employees will continue to follow plans and protocols while on post:
- All state employees will be asked to continually monitor their health for signs of COVID-19 symptoms. They should immediately report to their health care provider if symptoms manifest themselves.
Job-specific and location-specific information will be disseminated by individual supervisors. Support services, Preston Library, and other locations where employees normally interact with cadets face-to-face will have individual and specific precautionary measures put in place such as moving meetings and appointments online, installing plexiglass barriers, and limiting or eliminating seating areas.
Faculty, staff, and all employees are expected to maintain social distance and wear face coverings when in public or communal spaces. In most cases, building access will be restricted by badge access, so it is imperative that all employees keep their VMI ID on at all times and contact Human Resources with any new badge or lost badge requests.
For Parents & Families
Parents and families are encouraged to bookmark this page, connect with the Parents Council, and follow VMI's official Facebook page for timely updates and the event decisions, which will be posted in the table below.
Our mission remains the same, to educate young men and women and to mold them into honorable citizen-soldiers needed by the military, private enterprise, the commonwealth, and the nation. To accomplish this in a COVID-19 environment, we have made modifications to the delivery of the academic program while creating an environment in compliance with evolving public health guidance.
For the Community
Please refer to Post & Building Access above for specifics regarding events and appointments.
Off-site museums will follow their own protocols in regards to opening hours, capacity, etc. Please visit each museum's webpage for specific details. Athletic competitions and other events will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The Institute calendar will have the most up-to-date information for the public regarding all athletic events.
VMI Facility Status
| Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Cocke Hall | CLOSED to the General Public |
| Corps Physical Training Facility | CLOSED to the General Public |
| Cormack Hall | CLOSED to the General Public |
| George C. Marshall Research Library | UPDATE: The George C. Marshall Research Library is open to researchers by appointment only. |
| Preston Library | CLOSED to the General Public |
| Jackson House | Visit the house, located at 8 East Washington Street, from 0900-1700 Thursday–Monday. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the house, visit the vegetable garden, and spend time in a new orientation/gift store that includes an exhibit area focusing on Jackson and his family. For more information: stonewalljacksonhouse@vmi.edu, 540-464-7704 |
| VMI Museum | CLOSED to the General Public |
| Virginia Museum of the Civil War | UPDATE: Open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
VMI Event Cancellations & Status Updates
| Name of Event | Date(s) | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Open House - Moved to Virtual -- Pre-registration has closed | March 20, 2021 | Admissions |
| Open House - Registration currently on hold, and details pending | March, 27, 2021 | Admissions |
| New Market 2021 Reenactment - CANCELLED | May 2021 | Virginia Museum of the Civil War |
Previous communications, schedules, and notices are available.